UNC Now Leading for Jackson

Don Callahan

09/23/2008

Mywan Jackson says his North Carolina official visit has made a huge impact on his recruitment and he now claims the Tar Heels as his leader.

"I really liked how the coaching staff was," Jackson said. "The coaching staff just treated you like you were one of their own children. Knowing that it's a business, but they also care about you at the same time."

While he doesn't have a decision timetable, Jackson is closer to making a verbal commitment.

"Probably, I'm going to take two more visits and see how everything is," Jackson said. "If nothing steps out like UNC steps out, after that second visit I'll probably make that commitment."

Although no dates have been set, Jackson says he will definitely officially visit Louisville and Michigan. He says he could also visit a third to-be-decided school.

Jackson, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound athlete, arrived in Chapel Hill Saturday morning with his Seffner (Fla.) Armwood teammates Angelo Hadley and Ryne Giddins, who were also taking official visits.

"It was a good game," Jackson said. "They would have won if [T.J. Yates] wouldn't have gotten injured. But they played real good, to tell you the truth. And they're a young team, so that shows a lot."

Following the game Saturday night, Jackson and his teammates hung out with their player-host, Marvin Austin.

"He showed us a good time," Jackson said. "We didn't do anything too crazy. He just showed us how a weekend in North Carolina is."

Throughout the weekend, Jackson spent a great deal of time with all of UNC's coaches. Sunday afternoon, though, he received an opportunity to sit down with Everett Withers, UNC's defensive back coach, for an extended one-on-one meeting.

"He just talked about how he'd love to have me on the field," Jackson said. "Not only will I be playing defensive back, they want me to return kicks and punts."

Like most schools, UNC is recruiting Jackson as a cornerback.
"I would love to play in the defensive backfield," Jackson said. "To tell you the truth, whatever gets me on the field faster I'll play it."

Jackson is a three-year starter for Armwood. After starting at wide receiver his sophomore year, he led Armwood's triple-option offensive attack at quarterback last fall, ending the season with 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, and 800 yards and six touchdowns through the air.

Armwood switched to a spread option offense this season with Jackson remaining at quarterback. Thus far in three games, he has completed 28-of-47 passes for 342 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 202 yards and four scores.

Before leaving Sunday evening, Jackson met with Butch Davis for a half hour

"[He discussed] how the school is going through a rebuilding [and] they're trying to get good recruits to bring the football program up," Jackson said. "They have a good baseball and basketball team; they're just trying to bring the football up."